How to Extract Peppermint Oil

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By Tracy Renee Stefan
eHow Contributing Writer

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Extracting Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is an aromatic herb that grows in abundance where there is a decent amount of sun and rain, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Its oil, which is easily extractable, can be used to enhance health and well-being. It can be used topically or internally as a medicinal agent or in the kitchen as a culinary accent. Peppermint oil is a common ingredient in aromatherapy treatments. Use it as an astringent for the skin or to quell stomach disorders and headaches.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Dishwasher or very hot water
Wide-mouth bottles (not clear glass)
Fresh peppermint leaves, 1/4 cup for each 8 ounce bottle
Muslin (reusable) teabags
Wheatgerm oil
Edible or essential oils
Labels

Step 1

Sterilize bottles in the hottest water possible, such as in a dishwasher.
Step 2

Fill muslin teabag with peppermint leaves. Drop filled teabag into each bottle. Make sure you the teabag string hangs outside of the bottles for easy removal.
Step 3

Add 1 teaspoon of wheatgerm oil, a natural preservative, to each bottle. Then fill the bottles with an edible or carrier oil, stopping 1/2 inch from the top to prevent spilling. Tightly screw on the bottle caps.
Step 4

Allow the peppermint to soak in the oil for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of two months, depending upon desired oil concentration.
Step 5

Label the bottles. Be sure to include a list of all ingredients used and the date of manufacture.

Tips & Warnings

It is important to use glass bottles that are not crystal clear, as fragrant oils are sensitive to light. Choose bottles that do not leach chemicals. To create peppermint oil for internal usage, soak the peppermint leaves in an edible oil (canola, olive, vegetable oils). For topical uses, you can use carrier oils found in an herb store, co-op, or natural beauty supply store.
Peppermint oil taken internally in high doses can cause heartburn or allergic reactions. A little goes a long way. Do not refill bottles with new batches of oil or mix a different herbal oil in the same bottle. They might go bad or react with each other, creating a dangerous concoction.